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Every year 4.5 Trillion cigarette butts are littered worldwide, with a significant percentage finding their way into our oceans and onto our shores. In fact, 30-40% of all items collected in coastal and urban clean ups are butts. Azraq highlights that most people do not realise that cigarette filters within cigarette butts are made from a type of plastic called cellulose acetate which doesn’t biodegrade.

In 2003, The Dubai Municipality introduced a 500 AED fine for littering them. This fine has doubled to 1000 AED with six black points for drivers flicking cigarette butts onto UAE roads. Not only being unpleasant aesthetically, cigarette filters are comprised of thousands of chemical ingredients, including arsenic, lead, nicotine and ethyl phenol, all of which leak into aquatic environments.

As well as smoking being bad for the environment, smoking killed more than 2,900 people in the UAE in 2016 and cost the country $569 million in lost productivity and health care costs, according to the latest report on global smoking. In 2016 it was reported that, 748 cigarettes were smoked per person aged over 15 years, per year in the United Arab Emirates.

Here’s my third video highlighting marine conservation with Azraq ME 💙🌊 I’d love to hear what you think! #marinedebris #fortheoceans #oceanconservation

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💙🌊 For The Oceans – Useless Utensils with Amanda Rushforth and Azraq 🌊💙

Posted on June 18, 2020

Azraq highlights that it’s no secret that the hospitality sector is one of the biggest contributors to plastic pollution globally, and they think all of those plastic utensils that they give away (you know, the ones that end up among the most common items found during costal clean ups) are pretty useless!

In 2016, Worldcentric.org estimated that 40 billion plastic utensils were used every year in the United States alone. The majority of these were thrown out after just one use and ended up in landfills and waterways… something must be done. In order to highlight this problem, and hopefully get people to think twice about their usage, AZRAQ launched its #uselessutensils campaign in mid-2019 in partnership with Freedom Pizza, Lush Middle East, Carluccio’s and Beitfann Studio (Sustainable City). With your help, they collected approximately 60kg and over 30,000 plastic utensils in six weeks!

Here’s my second video highlighting marine conservation with Azraq ME 💙🌊 I’d love to hear what you think! #marinedebris #fortheoceans #oceanconservation

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💙🌊 For The Oceans – Marine Conservation with Amanda Rushforth and Azraq 🌊💙

Posted on June 7, 2020

Azraq is a non-profit marine conservation organisation registered with the Community Development Authority in the UAE. The mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. The aim is to EDUCATE through awareness programs and community presentations, MOTIVATE individuals, organisations and communities at large to make a difference and ACTIVATE them by offering a range of activities on, in and around the ocean.

THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY.

The marine environment needs help. Why not you? Whether you volunteer at a stall, help keep our shores clean and safe or can encourage others to care about the oceans through art, there are many ways you can become a marine warrior helping Azraq conserve and protect our precious oceans.

I’ve been working on a few videos during lockdown for my new role as a director at Azraq – to highlight marine conservation 💙🌊 I’d love to hear what you think!

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Testing Out: The Dermapen Mesofacial

Posted on March 2, 2020

I never realized just how important getting a facial was, or just how much they can really help your skin. Having trialled different types of facials and deep cleansing treatments, I was yet to come across one I could really recommend… until now. The Dermapen Mesofacial at Nova Clinic is a revolutionary skin care treatment that stimulates the natural production of new cells and collagen, delivering results without the need to go under the knife.

What are these results exactly? First off, it boasts firmer skin, smoother, more toned and definitely more hydrated skin, with added benefits of targeting cellulite, fine lines and scarring on the face, jawline and neck too. The Dermapen Mesofacial uses micro-needling technology with individually wrapped needles that penetrate partway into the dermis, to stimulate the skin’s natural collagen production process. It punctures the skin a hundred times a second, creating micro-breakages, which the skin responds to with instant healing and collagen production.

The Dermapen Mesofacial is referred to as a facial because the analysis of your complexion, identifying key areas of concern and any sensitivities is followed by a deep cleansing treatment that prepares your skin for the procedure, akin to a mini facial. It can also be used on other areas of the body, particularly those such as upper arms, buttocks and thighs, where cellulite is common. It is relatively painless and the redness is natural, dissipating within a few hours after the treatment too.

QUOTE: HALO for 15% off when booking too!

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High Definition Brows

Posted on February 18, 2020

What’s new with beauty? Well my current favourite technique for that ‘always on’ look is Brow Lamination at Rossano Ferretti salon. This high brow technique is basically a perm for your brows, as it gives them a set, uniform shape for an extended period of time. Instead of curls, a setting lotion helps your browhair stay brushed up and lifted upward for about six weeks. It’s the perfect treatment for those who have unruly, uneven or coarse brows and are looking for a more defined shape. However, be warned, it’s worth doing a patch test first as those who are prone to breakouts or have eczema need to check as chemicals used could lead to further irritation.

The first is brushed through eyebrow hairs to make them softer and more malleable, and is left on for twenty minutes. Next, the brows are brushed into the desired position and a ‘laminating’ solution is applied, to keep the strands in place. I also had mine tinted to help darken even the baby hairs in and around the shape. Lamination will straighten your eyebrow hairs and encourage them to grow in the same direction but you’ll still need to comb them up for the full feathery brow effect. Finish with some clear brow gel or serum and you’re good to go every morning.

It is NOT microblading, microblading is a way of semi-permanent make-up that can last 12 months. I much prefer brow lamination as it’s a great way to have fullness without the downtime. Here’s the recap below… don’t worry, after day 1, your eyebrows look a lot more natural and aren’t as intensely upright.

Adventure Fitness Recommended

Retreat Yourself

Posted on February 11, 2020

The concept of going on a retreat has always sounded pretty unique to me, somewhere you go with a specific goal in mind, be it weight-loss or strength building, or even a more meditative soul seeking trip away. Finding one however has only seemed to come through a studio you follow who’s hosting one, through social media, or even friends of friends who went and had a great time…

Now though there’s a real game changer for those seeking some substance on their next trip. Retreat MI is the easiest way to source your own retreat, searchable through your preference of fitness, food, location or maybe you aren’t even sure and just want to see what’s on offer? The great thing is, these are packaged per nights you want to escape, so you can see exactly what’s on offer and book accordingly.

I visited a lovely little retreat called Nirbana in Sri Lanka last month that put precedence on surfing and Voga. No that’s not a spelling mistake either… Voga is the latest yoga craze to test your comfort level (and balance), with recognizable movements punctuated by more fun dance-y rhythms, to the tune of vibey 80’s favourites. It’s catchy and a don’t-take-yourself-too-seriously is an important mindset to have going in.

With a busy mix of fitness and fun, there was also some time to relax poolside in their picturesque inland setting. I’m used to more beach front Sri Lanka views but waking up with the monkeys in the trees chattering and a relaxed breakfast schedule was a welcome alternative to my usual little weekend getaway. From a sunset river SUP to early morning surfing, we didn’t lack adventure or options.

I’ve got my sights set on a Pilates retreat in Sicily next so if you fancy a wellness weekend, I’ll see you there!

fashion Recommended

Introducing Eurthlin and their Vegan Handbags

Posted on November 20, 2019

Because we love our handbags, but we also want to be eco-friendly. Dubai based brand Eurthlin is the first in the region to launch a luxury vegan alternative brand for conscious consumers.

It goes without saying, if you’re going to rival the likes of the Goyard and LV tote, you need to be memorable. To me, that means a conversation starter and that is exactly what Eurthlin is. It isn’t a trend-led brand looking to capitalize on the instagrammer’s of the world, it’s a thought-provoking piece of design that ensures you a guilt-free shopping spree.

Inspired by the elements; fire, water, earth and air, the brand’s signature repeat pattern print is combined to make a unique yet not overpowering logo. The brainchild of recent vegan herself Natalie Daghestani, Eurthlin is a culmination of compassion and craftsmanship with a sustainable edge. The vegan leather is aesthetically similar to animal leather and the collection boasts 3 must-have styles for all discerning fashionistas out there.

“Eurthlin only uses 100% PETA-Approved Vegan materials and is proudly registered with The Vegan Society. The bags are also ethically produced with care, with each piece sporting a GOTS-certified organic cotton lining made from natural seeds without the use of pesticides, a dust bag that has been made from recycled bottles and their mailer pouches are home compostable.”

For the fair-trade conscious too, the brand’s production facility has been certified by Brussels-based auditing firm Amfori BSCI – the leading business association for open and sustainable trade. Adding to their sustainable edge, Eurthlin has also committed to plant one tree in the Amazon for every piece sold in collaboration with OneTreePlanted.org to assist with this year’s globally highlighted reforestation.

Branding these beauties is of course the icing on the cake and you can add your piece of personalization through their online ordering service too.

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Hormone Health With Essentially

Posted on October 15, 2019

Owing to Pinktober, Cara Van Heyningen, Nutritionist for Essentially Juice wanted to shed some light on female hormone health. “As a nutritionist, one of the most common conditions I encounter is hormonal imbalance. If you’re struggling, you’re likely to suffer from irritability, PMS, fluid retention, bloating and weight gain around the mid-section. Prevention of greater hormone-related conditions such as breast cancer is always better than cure, and the good news is that there are plenty of dietary and lifestyle changes that can assist.”

Cara’s top hormone-balancing tips:

Ditch the dairy:Try going dairy free with almond, coconut or cashew milk and see how you feel. Most women report clearer skin and fewer PMS symptoms when they steer away from milk and dairy products.
Love your liver:Your liver metabolizes all hormones. If the liver is burdened with toxins, our hormones get thrown out of whack. We put strain on our liver by lack of sleep, poor stress management, excessive sugar and starchy carb consumption, overdoing the coffee and drinking anything more than 4 servings of alcohol per week. Pair your attention to these factors with daily juicing, and your liver will soon be loving you back in so many ways.
Stay hydrated:Make sure you’re drinking enough water. Symptoms of fatigue, an extra-large appetite and headaches can often be owed to dehydration. Add a dash of sea salt to every cup you drink. The salt will help you to hydrate more efficiently and replenish lost minerals associated with hormonal symptoms including fluid retention.
Supplement with Vitamin C: This simple vitamin is still my favourite of them all! Vitamin C helps to detoxify the liver and can actually help boost progesterone levels! I would suggest consuming 3000mg, even up to 6000mg of vitamin C per day and watch your symptoms and energy levels improve.
Get your Vitamin D levels checked: Vitamin D plays a massive role in hormone balance, energy production and lowering inflammation that can cause lifestyle diseases including tumour growth. A deficiency of Vitamin D can be preventing you from losing weight, and do not be fooled by Dubai’s sunny weather – deficiency is extremely common. Get these levels checked to know your baseline. From here, you can work with a practitioner to understand what the right dose is for you to get your levels up to a suitable place.
Up your intake of Brassica vegetables:This means more broccoli, cauliflower, kale and sprouts. These veggies contain a nutrient that balances oestrogen. Always ensure that your Brassica vegetables are juiced or well cooked. When eaten raw, Brassica veggies contain goitrogens, which are compounds that can compromise thyroid function in us sensitive ladies. When juiced or well cooked, these compounds are broken down.
Replace sugar with good fats:Crowd out your sweet cravings and stabilize your mood by adding healthy fats into the mix. Choose from avocado, nuts, seeds, olive oil, virgin organic coconut oil and tahini. These foods provide the body with omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for hormone production.
Get more rest:A rested body is a healthy body. Inadequate sleep is often why many women can’t lose weight or manage their stress levels. Sleep helps to lower cortisol, a pesky stress hormone, which helps to release stubborn weight, boost the happy hormone, serotonin, and avoids sugar cravings. Limit your screen time at night and aim for seven to eight hours of good-quality sleep.

Try these tips for 14 days and see how you feel. You’ll probably find yourself applying them quite effortlessly. Over time, you should continue seeing greater and greater improvements to your symptoms.

Recommended

TRIBE: Nothing beats natural

Posted on July 16, 2019

Sourced from around the world, Dubai’s favourite eco-conscious interior styling store TRIBE is where I head when it comes to finding furniture for my new home.

This earthy hotspot is a treasure trove of handmade, sustainable and natural products that are crafted around the world and curated by Dubai based Jo England. Their network of over 1000 artists extends to over 25+ countries, believing throughout that each piece should be sustainably created and ethically sourced. Fair-trade is also a key measuring point for the TRIBE team and their artisans are assured fair wages.

In this day and age where conscious consumerism is in the spotlight finally, organic and natural materials are having a resurgence and outdoor-indoor furniture no longer needs an introduction. Having a place to breathe in the home is important too, so each piece is designed to bring a taste of the tropics to you, helping to create a really comfortable and creative space for you to enjoy. Their studio space allows for a little more freedom of expression too, with a dedicated customization technician to add a little more personality into your home.

I have some gorgeous pieces from TRIBE, like my bedroom headboard in rattan, but with my new space needing some more warmth downstairs too, I chose this gorgeous island hanging chair. Inspired by the beach and designed for swinging the afternoon away. Not only is bamboo a beautiful looking material, it’s also fast-growing, strong and easy to harvest… making it a super sustainable material source.

Focusing on social responsibility too which is of uber importance to me, TRIBE plant’s trees and supports reforestation. As well as sponsoring a unique organization in India, which educates children (as seen on Netflix in ‘Daughters of Destiny’).

Recommended

Where Beauty Meets the Ocean

Posted on July 1, 2019

La Mer launched the ‘La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund‘ as a way to make charitable contributions that have supported ocean preservation efforts since 2017, and has since helped conservation initiatives in The Azores, Grenada and East China Sea. Their ocean health awareness started in 2013, where they worked with renowned ocean-explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle, as well as National Geographic society, to delve into underwater habitat protection and address actionable changes.

“We are committed to helping protect marine habitats across the globe. Through awareness-raising initiatives and charitable donations by the La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund in support of ocean conservation projects, they strive to ensure a future with flourishing seas for generations to come.”

This isn’t greenwashing either, La Mer launched their Oceans Fund in 2017 which works to further the initiative of their collection and supports a variety of ocean projects worldwide. Their passion for this project is deep, no pun intended. Their limited-edition collection sees a shimmering array of sea kelp and coral around their otherwise luminous white packaging.

Each year, La Mer team members around the world lead an effort to clean their local shores and beaches. In the journey to protect the living connection we all have to the ocean, we know that even small acts of participation can make a huge impact. Not only that, their farmed sea kelp is sustainably sourced and managed, so as to ensure a chain of custody for their ingredients.

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